Supporting Veterans and Military Families: Our Heroes Are Human, too
By Piper Stege Nelson
There are so many reasons to be filled with awe for our military veterans: huge personal sacrifice, impressive bravery, physical and mental strength, a commitment to protecting our country’s citizens.
But alongside the awe and gratitude we feel, we also have to remember that our military veterans are also people - humans who have frequently endured hardships to serve our country, with families that have also had to face adversity. Frequent moves, deployments, career transitions, and time spent apart can be so hard for service members, but also for their spouses and children.
And it is for this reason that I am SO proud that here at I Live Here I Give Here we have the ability to raise up the amazing local organizations that are supporting military families and veterans.
Across Central Texas, nonprofit organizations like Activets, Comfort Crew for Military Kids and the Heroes Resource Center are working every day to help military-connected families navigate those challenges and build strong, supportive communities.
But what is odd, and sad, is that veteran and military family organizations are often overlooked by donors and volunteers. Why is that?
Well, one reason is simple awareness. I do not have a veteran in my immediate family, which means that I have not benefited from those services. The truth is that unless someone has a personal connection to military service, they may not know about the many organizations providing support to veterans and military families.
There is also the assumption that military families and former military personnel are supported entirely by the government. But there are SO many brilliant ways to serve veterans and military families that the government could never serve them all - even IF the government dedicated all the funds it could to help.
While some nonprofits focus exclusively on serving military communities, others incorporate veteran-focused programs into broader services such as workforce development, family support, mentoring, mental health care, and educational opportunities.
But what makes all of these organizations so valuable is their ability to create community. For allllllll of us, but particularly for military families, community can be a lifeline. Service members and their families often relocate every few years, requiring them to rebuild support networks again and again. Nonprofits connect families with resources, friendships, mentorship opportunities, and programs that make a new place feel like home.
These organizations also support veterans as they transition from military service into civilian life. Whether it's career coaching, professional development, family services, peer support, or assistance navigating new opportunities, nonprofit organizations help veterans build successful futures after their service ends.
The good news is that supporting veteran and military family organizations doesn't require a military background. There are many ways anyone can get involved.
Start by learning about organizations serving veterans and military families in your community. LUCKILY, you can learn about a good number of orgs by visiting amplifyatx.org and putting “military” in the search bar. From there, you can browse the orgs and read about their missions, attend an event, or follow their work online.
Consider making a financial contribution, whether it's a one-time gift or a recurring monthly donation. Even modest gifts help organizations expand programs and serve more families. You can make a gift through amplifyatx.org, or you can do so directly to the nonprofits on their websites.
Volunteer your time. Many nonprofits need help with events, administrative support, mentorship programs, assembling care packages, writing letters of encouragement, or welcoming military families into the community. For example, you can write cards for veterans participating in Honor Flight trips to Washington, D.C., showing them that their service is valued and remembered.
Share your professional skills. Organizations often benefit from volunteers with expertise in marketing, communications, fundraising, technology, legal services, career coaching, or financial planning.
Finally, use your voice. Tell others about organizations doing meaningful work. Share their stories on social media, recommend them to friends, and help raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing military-connected families.
Supporting veterans and military families is about more than honoring service—it's about strengthening the communities that support those who have served. Through giving, volunteering, and advocacy, each of us can help ensure that veterans and military families have the resources, connections, and support they deserve to thrive.